A day of going by bike

Alistair Young was one of hundreds of people across Auckland who cycled on their commute today as part of the nationwide Go By Bike Day.

Cycling every day into the city from Remuera, Alistair (pictured) enjoyed taking a detour today to the pink Lightpath at the top of Nelson St to get a drink at one of Auckland Transport’s pit stops.

“I normally ride by myself so it’s good to be with other people even if I don’t know them. This is my first time on this path. It’s nice and wide and seperate from cars. Fantastic,” he says.

The objective of Go By Bike Day, which is part of the Bikewise month, is to encourage more people to cycle by raising awareness of the existing cycle routes in the city. Photos of people cycling in Auckland today can be entered into Auckland Transport’s photo competition to win a custom-made bike.

Conrad Smith, who stopped for a chat with friends at the Lightpath pit stop, says it’s good to see so many riding their bikes in the city. “We are seeing that cycleways are becoming a safer environment where people can feel like they can get to work easily, quickly and safely.

“The pink path is magic. It’s like riding an art installation every day. Sometimes staying late at work is a good thing because you can ride home and have the lights on when you go. It’s great.”

Auckland Transport’s Cycling and Walking manager, Kathryn King, says there were a number of pit stops in Auckland today where people could get a drink and muffin on their way to work or school.

“There was a real buzz out there today with lots of people stopping for a chat and drink on what was a beautiful morning in Auckland. Big thanks to Bike Auckland who helped us organise some of the pits stops.”

“I’m really looking forward to seeing photos for the competition. Our cycle network will be expanding rapidly over the next three years so it’s great to see so many people out there already making use of it,” she says.